Although a bit unsatisfied, Hyuga Kagami understood that in a setting like this, Shisui would never use his Mangekyo Sharingan—just like Kagami himself wouldn't use the Rotation of Will or the Third Kazekage Human Puppet.
Besides, if Shisui had really used techniques like Kotoamatsukami or Susanoo, Kagami wouldn't have been able to withstand them anyway. So he didn't dwell on it and calmly accepted his victory in this match.
After stepping off the training platform, Guy and Asuma immediately rushed over.
Guy beamed with joy and congratulated him. "Kagami, congratulations!"
Now that he had won this round, Hyuga Kagami was almost guaranteed a promotion to Special Jonin, so Guy congratulated him in advance.
Asuma glanced at Shisui, who was standing at a distance, then leaned toward Kagami and muttered, "That Shisui really lives up to his reputation. Aside from you, I doubt anyone else here could withstand his Body Flicker Technique."
Guy scratched his head and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I've been thinking about it but can't come up with a solution. His Body Flicker is just too fast, and his swordsmanship is sharp. I might have to open the Eight Gates if I wanted to keep up with him."
In some ways, Hyuga Kagami's Tenseigan did counter the Uchiha's Sharingan quite well.
First of all, the Tenseigan could neutralize most genjutsu, which alone gave him a major edge against genjutsu-focused Uchiha.
Second, the Tenseigan's powerful perception, combined with the Revolving Heaven technique, made him nearly immune to projectile attacks. This was another huge advantage over the Uchiha, who often specialized in shurikenjutsu.
Lastly, Kagami's chakra reserves surpassed most Uchiha, giving him more flexibility in tactical choices.
Of course, this advantage only applied to regular Uchiha.
Against someone who had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, it was uncertain whether the Tenseigan could hold its own against such powerful ocular techniques.
Seeing Asuma and Guy still lost in thought, trying to figure out how to counter Shisui's Body Flicker, Hyuga Kagami smiled and said, "Shisui is the top genius of the Uchiha clan's new generation. It's natural for him to be this strong. Don't overthink it."
Asuma nodded, but his expression remained gloomy.
Guy, on the other hand, laughed heartily. "Haha, looks like I've got one more goal to chase after!"
Asuma looked annoyed. "And you think that's a good thing?"
Guy clapped Asuma on the shoulder, flashing a big white smile. "Healthy competition between comrades is the true spirit of youth! Don't fall behind, Asuma!"
Brushing Guy's hand off, Asuma glanced at Kagami, then over at Shisui in the distance. He fixed his eyes back on Guy. "Fall behind? Hmph, don't underestimate me!"
With that, Asuma stormed off, visibly irritated.
Guy didn't take it too seriously and began stretching, mumbling to himself, "When's my turn? I'm getting restless!"
After clearing the first training platform, the exam resumed.
Guy and Asuma each went up in turn and successfully defeated their opponents, earning a precious promotion to Special Jonin.
One match after another, the exam quickly produced fifteen victors. With that, the Special Jonin promotion test officially came to an end.
In the end, thanks to his outstanding performance, even though Shisui lost, he was granted an additional promotion slot and officially promoted to Special Jonin.
None of the eliminated Chunin objected to the Third Hokage's decision, as they had all witnessed the epic battle between Hyuga Kagami and Shisui firsthand. They knew Shisui met the standard for promotion—he just had the bad luck of facing someone even stronger.
After the test ended, the Third Hokage summoned Kagami, Guy, Asuma, and Shisui.
Pipe in mouth, the Third studied the four young shinobi carefully, then extended an open invitation: "You are all outstanding ninjas, and the future of the village. I hope you will join the ANBU and become the foundation protecting the Hidden Leaf."
Right now, the village desperately needed strong new blood, and these four were the most promising in the Third's eyes.
Faced with the Hokage's personal recruitment, Kagami, Guy, and Shisui didn't hesitate at all and accepted on the spot.
What surprised everyone was Asuma's clear refusal. With his arms crossed and an aloof look, he said, "I don't want to be a sneaky guy hiding in the shadows."
The Third Hokage frowned. "Watch your mouth!"
But Asuma, still in his rebellious phase, didn't back down. He gave Kagami, Guy, and Shisui a cold glance, then snapped at the Third, "I'll prove to you that I'm no less than any of them!"
Before anyone could react, Asuma turned and stormed off.
Asuma was perceptive. During the rounds of matches, each of his opponents had been slightly weaker than him. It made him suspect the entire Special Jonin exam was rigged in his favor.
His pride wouldn't allow him to accept this kind of well-meaning arrangement made by his father.
And he also knew full well that right now, he couldn't beat Kagami or Shisui. He wasn't even confident he could beat Guy. So his only option was to leave, frustrated.
After the outburst, the Third Hokage no longer had the mood to speak further. He gave a brief explanation to Kagami, Guy, and Shisui about the ANBU induction process, then left.
Exhausted, Hyuga Kagami declined Guy's offer to celebrate and returned home alone.
But as soon as he stepped through the door, he noticed the one-eyed viper coiled in the corner of his room, flicking its tongue.
He retrieved the small paper slip from the snake's mouth and gave it a glance before burning it. Then, changing into casual clothes, he headed to a small izakaya in the village.
Climbing to the second floor and entering a private room, he found Orochimaru drinking alone. Kagami spoke calmly, "Lord Orochimaru, sneaking into the village is dangerous."
"Dangerous?" Orochimaru let out a cold chuckle. "The Fourth Hokage and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki are both gone. The old man is overwhelmed with village affairs. This place isn't nearly as dangerous as it looks."
Indeed, as Orochimaru said, the Hidden Leaf currently lacked Kage-level powerhouses. Especially after the loss of the Fourth Hokage, there were very few people left who could threaten Orochimaru.
Even if the Third Hokage or Jiraiya encountered him, they'd probably be reluctant to go all out. So while the village looked secure on the surface, to someone like Orochimaru who knew it inside and out, it wasn't a forbidden place at all.
Fighting off the oppressive aura coming from Orochimaru, Kagami maintained a calm expression. "What do you need from me?"
Orochimaru gazed at him with a strange smile. "How did your Special Jonin test go?"